The Expansion of Settlement - Part 1 & 2

Why did Canada sign these land treaties with the Indigenous peoples?

Canada wanted to claim the prairies before they were taken by the USA but the Indigenous Peoples were already living there.

How did Canada use these treaties to gain land?

The Canadian Government promised to provide supplies, money and many other benefits to the indigenous peoples in return for this land.

Numbered treaties

A series of treaties made by the Canadian Government and the Indigenous peoples, mainly for land on the prairies.

These treaties gave Canada land in areas that are now Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Introduced "Indian Status" as a system of identifying first nations peoples.

First nations were prohibited to drink and vote unless they .

You could only get a full Canadian citizenship by giving up your Indian Status.

The Northwest rebellion started when the Métis requested a secure title to their lands, agricultural aid, schools, and a local police force but were ignored.

Louis Riel

Louis Riel returned to Canada in 1885 to lead the Metis again.

Once again, Louis created a provisional government

Realizing that war was inevitable, he appointed Gabriel Dumont to be his military commander.

Eventually tried for treason and executed.

Events

Battle of Duck Lake

Louis' force used Guerrilla tactics against the army and police force.

Louis' force won this battle and forced the police and army to retreat.

Massacre as Frog Lake

Frog lake was attacked by a band of Crees on April 2nd.

9 losses

Battle of Fish Creek

Dumont organized an ambush against the government soldiers at Fish Creek.

Both sides withdrew from Fish Creek after government reinforcements arrived.

Battle of Cut Knife

During the encounter, Poundmaker convinced the Crees to retreat which heavily reduced the number of casulaties.

Battle of Batoche

Dumont's forces grouped together to defend Batoche.

The government soldiers and police with their superior numbers and firearms were easily able to take over the stronghold.

Aftermath

Tensions between the English and French exploded.

The Transcontinental Railway was meant to be built from Ontario to the West following the Confederation.

The Pacific Scandal

Sir Hugh Allan donated $360,000 to the Conservative part to help with Campaign expenses. Later, the contract of building this railroad was given to Sir Hugh Allan.

Because of the $360,000 given to the Conservative Party, many people considered this a bribe. They also argued that politicians should not just abide by the law, they should also appear to abide by the law.

Some people argued that John A Macdonald had not broken the law since the money given to the Conservative Party was not directly in exchange for the contract.

The Canadian Pacific Railway

Chinese Labour

As there was a lack of workers working on the CPR, workers were imported from China to help with the project.

Chinese workers often did the most dangerous work and were paid less

This railway was built in just 4 years

Impact

Allowed easy transportation throughout most of Canada

Encouraged and allowed settlement in the prairies

What is the goal of westward development?

As Canada has just claimed most of the prairies, they needed to fill up these prairies with people.

The Immigration Act

Made in 1869

Made with the goal of keeping people with contagious diseases outside the country

Placed ill passengers in quarintine

Townships

The Prairies of Canada were divided in to these "townships"

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